His Story
A Vibrant Childhood
Greg was born in Oakland, CA to Elmer E. and Alberta J. Bixby. He grew up in Dublin, CA, and graduated from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, CA. Beginning at an early age, he spent much of his free time at the family cabin in the Eldorado National Forest which led him to Michigan State University, where he pursued and earned his Masters Degree in Forestry. Soon after, he began his career with Schaberg Lumber Co. in Lansing, Michigan.
Family, Career & Community
Greg married his partner, Karen, of nearly 40 years on August 25, 1984. Together, they raised four sons in their Pebblebrook home in Williamston, Michigan. While rearing four boys, Greg also ventured into his own businesses, including Lumber Resources, Bixby Information Systems, and Tristar medical software. He was highly regarded in his field and made significant contributions throughout his career.
Greg’s impact extended beyond his professional and personal life. He was actively involved in community service, serving as an active member of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce and Okemos Rotary, where he even served as President for a term. Greg was passionate about education and provided computers and support to Edgewood Elementary during his sons’ attendance there. Additionally, he served as a Cub Scout leader. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran in Okemos, where he served as treasurer during his membership. He and his family were also members of Ascension Lutheran and St. Luke’s, Haslett.
The Mountains are Calling
The family cabin in the mountains off scenic HWY 88 was Greg’s sanctuary, he thrived there. While he and his family lived in Michigan, they spent every summer there and raised their sons to appreciate the great outdoors in anticipation of doing the same with their grandchildren.
Greg taught them to fish, swim, boat and hike scenic trails in the same he had with his dad, Elmer. He also shared his love for woodworking, general trades, golfing, and hunting. A love for dirtbikes quickly evolved into trailriding and then racing motocross with his sons, spending many memorable weekends competing in Michigan and traveling throughout the Midwest.
Fulfilling Purpose in Helping Others
All of his many experiences and knowledge of the vast area surrounding the cabin led to his recruitment and commitment to SAR (Search and Rescue) in both Amador and El Dorado counties for over 15 years. He had a deep passion for saving lives in the wilderness areas and was directly responsible for doing so in many instances. He spent countless hours in classes and training to be the best
he could be in the areas of mapping, technical training, ham radio, swift water rescue, repelling and management. His expertise was highly respected throughout the state of California and beyond.
Remembering Greg Bixby
Greg was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen, and their sons, Scott, Corey (Liz), Jonathan, and Benjamin (Jessica). He was also a proud grandfather to granddaughter Blake Elizabeth. Greg was preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Zumwalt Bixby, and his father, Elmer Eugene Bixby.
Gallery
Memories
Do you have a memory with Greg that was especially meaningful? Post it here so that friends, family and loved ones can share in the joy and laughter that Greg was known for.
Memorial Fund
In lieu of flowers, Greg’s memory can be honored with donations to the Greg Bixby Memorial Fund to continue his passion for saving lives by equipping his SAR teams with scholarships and essential equipment.
We will be formalizing the organization following his Celebration of Life; for now, checks may be sent to Greg Bixby Memorial Fund, 19900 Spring Valley Rd., Plymouth, CA 95669
Memorial & Celebration of Life
Greg was honored for his service by regional SAR members and LEO on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at the beautiful Kirkland Ranch. Family and friends shared stories, tears and laughter as they recounted their fondest memories of Greg and how he impacted their lives.
Contact
No better truth than “the good dies young.” My close friend, mentor and Search And Rescue legend, Greg Bixby died this morning. Surrounded by his family and myself at his ranch in Plymouth. He was my most valuable and trusted SAR member for over 15 years, my treasurer on the campaign trail and this list goes on. He struggled with cancer and told no one. This man taught me more about search and rescue than anyone.
Greg was a patriot, and more importantly, saved more lives in the sierras than anyone I have met in my travels. We shared a common interest when the calls came in, “Achieve the mission at all cost including our lives.” Greg impacted so many through his dedication to SAR. For now my friend, enjoy your last ride to God and I’m sure the lost we searched for will welcome you at the gates. “707 you are 10-10”.
When Greg was on a SAR mission he’d be the first out the door and the last to leave. I always knew we’d get home to our families safely. He is missed.
Greg was a patriot, and I remember him for his contribution to preserving what remains of our constitutional republic, and defending our God-given rights for future Americans. He was a valuable resource to many and shared his knowledge and skills. One time, I met someone up Hwy 88 at a store, who, when the subject of search and rescue came up, brought up Greg and his work with SAR. He had a good reputation and was known for action. God bless the Bixby family.
Greg and I were classmates at Amador and in band. We lost contact after high school. My condolences to his family. He was a good person and I’m sad to hear of his passing.
Greg was my best buddy on many searches and trainings. He knew navigation better than anyone… and was such a great teacher!! It just doesn’t seem real to me that he’s gone. He was a wonderful friend and I miss him tremendously. God Bless him.
Thank you Greg. I enjoyed our talks and I learned a lot from you. You are deeply missed.
Rest easy my friend, We will take it from here. SAR 52
Here’s the obvious on Greg to me — wonderful husband and father. The not so obvious in my opinion— Greg was so successful that he could have been indifferent BUT that was far from the case. Reading the tributes to Greg it is clear that service to humanity played a huge part in Greg’s life. That is a combination that sets a man apart!
Honestly, it’s still hard for me to believe that Greg is no longer with us. He loved my sister dearly & unconditionally and those 4 boys…they were his pride & joy! I know his DILs were special to him and then there’s his twin…sweet Blake! You could see in pictures how much he loved and adored her. ❤️
I was probably in high school when Karen & Greg met & later married. He was so good to her! I remember all the work he did on their beautiful home in Michigan; all the attention he gave to detail & fulfilling Karen’s dreams for each room. (Always loved the cool bed he made for the boys!)
A specific (& kinda odd) memory I have of Greg is of one visit to Bloomington to my parent’s house. He got pink eye while he was there. I remember us all telling him not to rub/itch his eye because it was highly contagious, but he couldn’t resist the urge…and the next day he woke up with it in BOTH eyes & he was miserable. Poor guy.
I will always appreciate his thoughtfulness & selflessness to be without his wife for, many times, a month or more at a time, so that she could travel to Bloomington to help with our parents when they required additional assistance. He knew how much it meant to our parents and all of us.
He established an amazing homestead for them in CA and still hand time to dedicate to SAR & supporting candidates/patriots in local elections. To say Greg was one AWESOME guy, just doesn’t say enough. I will miss him…but I look forward to God’s promise of seeing him again. Sending love to & prayers for my sister, nephews & their families and all his dear friends.
So beautiful Sis Patty. And what I have to add to every wonderful thing you said is that I know how much Greg meant to Karen and how much Karen meant to Greg. He was a great provider, husband and father. And remember Karen always talking about his calks for SAR’s and how he loved helping others, but I could always hear and sense the concern in her voice when he would go on those calls…he was so dedicated to helping and saving others. He will be greatly missed by so many, but like Patty said, we will all meet again. Until then, Rest In Peace Greg.💜❤🙏🙌
So beautiful Sis Patty. And what I have to add to every wonderful thing you said is that I know how much Greg meant to Karen and how much Karen meant to Greg. He was a great provider, husband and father. And remember Karen always talking about his calks for SAR’s and how he loved helping others, but I could always hear and sense the concern in her voice when he would go on those calls…he was so dedicated to helping and saving others. He will be greatly missed by so many, but like Patty said, we will all meet again. Until then, Rest In Peace Greg.💜❤🙏🙌
Our little sis Patty said it best! She always did have a way with words! Greg was a great Dad and I could tell by what his sons said about him they they really respected him and looked up to him! He was a great husband too, he doted on his wife and I could they worked well together taking care of their beautiful property and all those animals, that were established there! Always loved the goats! Karen would send us lots of cute 🥰 pictures! Greg is in an amazing place now, free of pain and loving life forever with our amazing God, until we all meet again, RIP Greg! ❤️
My deepest sympathy to the Bixby family. Thank you so much for supporting Greg and the selfless service he provided to SAR organizations specifically and the public in general. He will forever remain in my mind the face of one who can manage a crisis. His cool, calm and collected demeanor made him not only approachable, but also a strong confident leader.
I had the privilege of testing satellite communications with Greg. During this testing period I learned quickly that Greg is an “off the grid” kind of guy. The ability to track fielded searchers while “off grid” was important to him. He genuinely was concerned for the safety and wellbeing of his team. I arranged with Greg to drop off some satellite devices to the Bixby home in Plymouth on a Saturday morning. I failed to check my email that morning. Greg emailed me that he had received a call out early in the AM (a very common thing). I believe he had given me the gate code. I was on a motorcycle ride with a friend and we pulled up to the house early in the morning not knowing that Greg wasn’t there. Three things happened that morning that I am thankful for. First, we didn’t get shot. Second, I got to meet Greg’s son. Third, I got to see Greg’s heaven on earth.
Not sure if there is crisis management in Heaven. If there is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Greg at the command post putting together a solid recue plan.
I will honor Greg by being the best searcher possible. Thank you for your sacrifice and service!
EDSAR
Ground Pounder #582
It was a pleasure knowing Greg.
He was the epitome of an “Old School American”, his word was good and he gave more to his family, community and Nation then he took.
Here’s wishing happy trails to my friend!